Hwange line up Pirates, Platinum Stars friendlies in SA

[Posted 17 Jan 2012][By Beezsports Reporter]

One of Zimbabwe's two CAF Confederations Cup representatives, Hwange FC have revealed that they have lined up friendly matches with ABSA premiership champions of South Africa Orlando Pirates, as well as former Champions League participants Platinum Stars.

The matches will be played in South Africa, and Johannesburg will undoubtedly host the friendly matches, with the first match being played on Saturday.

Chipangano's spokesman Burzil Dube has confirmed that the match against Pirates, will take place at 10am on Saturday and that reasons for the early kick-off have not been revealed by their hosts.

The match was initially planned for the weekend of 27-28 January but Hwange were not conformtable with the date.

"That date was not suitable to us and this morning they called to say this weekend would be okay with them. They are eager to have the match played at 10am," said Dube.

After playing Pirates on Saturday, Hwange will then have a date with the Rustenburg-based Stars on Sunday.

There is also the possibility of a third friendly match against Black Leopards who are set to represent South Africa in the Confederations Cup this year.

Dube is excited by the prospects of three work-outs in South Africa for the Chipangano Boys who are pencilled to face Jamhuri FC of Tanzania in the preliminary round of the Confederations Cup qualifiers.

"We are happy with the opportunity to play the three clubs. We are still working on the logistics of when to play Black Leopards.

"As for Pirates, we are happy they have agreed to play us this weekend at 10am. They did not disclose why in the morning but still it would be worthwhile exposure for the boys.

"This is really good for our preparations for the Jamhuri game on 13 February," Dube added.

Hwange qualified to represent Zimbabwe by virtue of having finished fourth in the Castle Lager Premiership in Zimbabwe, behind Motor Action, FC Platinum and Dynamos.

Zimbabwe, who are eligible to field two teams apiece in the CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup, have Motor Action as the second representative in the cup which was previously called the Cup Winners Cup.

Dynamos and FC Platinum are the country's CAF Champions League representatives.